Michael Dunford was the right choice to provide Blues new regime with the stability and expertise that they need after moving in at St Andrew’s.

MICHAEL Dunford was the right choice to provide Birmingham City's new regime with the stability and expertise that they need after moving in at St Andrew’s.

Carson Yeung wanted an administrative chief with experience of English football to help pick up the slack created by Karren Brady’s exit as MD and chairman David Gold's release.

And former Derby County, Everton and Plymouth Argyle executive Dunford had the credentials he was seeking, said Peter Pannu.

“Michael has 30 years of experience in football over here,” explained Pannu. “He came through the ranks at Derby, moving from box office to assistant secretary, secretary, general manager and CEO.

“He was at Everton between 1994 - 2004 and was their CEO for five years. He was their representative in dealings with UEFA, FA and Premier League committees.

“We were very impressed by his work at Everton and felt that with this club in his hands, we should be very steady while the rest of us can press ahead with our adventurous plans for the future.

“It was absolutely vital for us to secure someone who could bring us that stability and experience, someone who knows football here and the Premier League and has expertise in that field.

“Michael handled contracts, transfers and commercial matters at Everton and was also involved in their proposed stadium move, something that is within our minds here of course.”

Dunford left Everton shortly after Bill Kenwright took over the reins and appointed Trevor Birch as CEO.

He moved to Plymouth in January 2005 and departed in July of this year after a management restructuring.

Pannu said that Blues could even add another key executive to understudy Dunford.

“We have also been sourcing a vibrant, younger potential CEO who is ambitious to move up,” said Pannu.

“Michael was the stand out candidate for the role we needed to fill, but it is still on the plot to consider another appointment. We will be maintaining contact with the people we identified in the course of our interviewing process.”

Dunford arrived with the new owners at St Andrew’s yesterday, catching most people by surprise, after his appointment was ratified over the weekend.

Pannu, Blues vice-chairman executive and finance, said: “Michael got the nod from our chairman, Vico Hui, as Carson Yeung gave him his blessing, so he came in and started work right away.”

Blues, meanwhile, are to make Mike Wiseman vice-president, Pannu confirmed.

Wiseman, son of Blues legend Jack Wiseman, served as a director on the old board.

But this title reflects the increased responsibility he will be taking on under the new order.

Hui approved Pannu’s recommendation of the appointment.

David Gold was offered a vice-president position but wanted to remain as chairman.

The move will be welcomed by fans, and Pannu said it was important that they were re-engaged.

“We really want to foster better relationships with the fans,” he said. “I think there are quite a few fans in the past year or two who the club has lost.

“We want to be extending our hearts and our hands to them and bring all the supporters back to us. To get better, we want to build a bright future for everybody.”